Social Media’s Influence on Self-Esteem and Self-Regulation – Back by Popular Demand

The use of social media has become ingrained into our daily activities. As clinicians, we must consider the treatment implications of this phenomena. This workshop will explore the impact of social media on clients as well as the therapeutic process. The course will begin with an introduction to self-harm behaviors, including self-mutilation and eating disorders. We will then move into social media outlets. Social media will be described and the level of involvement for different age groups and genders. Finally, the workshop will move into social media’s influence on self-harm and self-regulating behaviors. The workshop will also provide strategies for reducing clients’ social media usage while raising awareness of social media influence.

List and describe different types of self-harm behaviors including substance use, self-mutilation, and disordered eating.

Integrate new strategies for bringing self-harm behaviors into the therapy conversation

List and describe different social media outlets

Identify current trends for social media usage among different age groups and genders.

Recognize the influence of increasing social media exposure and negative behaviors (such as poor body image or disordered eating).

Discuss strategies for reducing social media usage in clients and raising awareness of social media influence.

Sara Martino, Ph.D., NCC, LPC

Dr. Dettinger Martino received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Temple University (2005), M.A. in Counseling from Boston College, and B.A. in Psychology from West Chester University. She is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology and coordinator of the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies minor at Stockton University. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), working mainly with young women with eating disorders and self-harm behaviors. She wrote a book on her therapeutic techniques with young women who self-mutilate entitled Scars: Creative approaches for understanding and coping with self-mutilation, in 2010. Her more recent research focuses on the Superwoman Ideal and gender inequities in employment and managing work/life balance as well as social media influence on self-harm behaviors. She also specializes in sexual assault victims and in the “yes means yes” initiative.

John (Jack) W. Farrell holds an advanced degree in Social Work from the Hunter College School of Social Work in New York. Mr. Farrell’s career spans 40 years in the fields of addiction services and community violence. He was formerly employed by Rutgers University as a Program Analyst for the University Behavioral Healthcare – Violence Institute of New Jersey. He also provided case management services for the Rutgers University Police Institute’s Greater Newark Safer Cities Initiatives. Mr. Farrell was also employed by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services for more than 28 years where he held various positions including Deputy Director for the Division of Addiction Services, Acting Assistant Commissioner for the Division of Addiction Services, Deputy Director for the Division of Narcotics and Drug Abuse Control, and Chief of Special Populations and Projects for the Division of Narcotic and Drug Abuse Control. Mr. Farrell is currently a member of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, Community Advisory Board and serves as a consultant for the Rutgers School of Social Work. He is a published author and has appeared on television and radio. Mr. Farrell has received many community, state and federal awards for his community service.

Ann Marie Bescherer, PhD, MBA, NCC, LPC, LCADC

Dr. Bescherer has over 20 years of experience in treating mental health and substance use disorders. She has worked in a variety of settings such as State psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes, pediatric facilities and outpatient programs for substance use treatment and co-occurring disorders. Dr. Bescherer’s titles ranged from Master Level Clinician to Director of Behavioral Health. As a result, she has considerable experience in developing and implementing original programming for inpatient, partial care, and IOP levels of care. In these programs, Dr. Bescherer incorporated and examined the efficacy of Motivational Interviewing which developed into professional presentations. Her passion for education is evident in her roles as an adjunct instructor and trainer. Dr. Bescherer has been employed in institutions of higher education such as Rowan University and is currently a trainer/consultant for New Jersey Prevention Network teaching various CADC courses.

Dr. Bescherer also maintains a small private practice in Cherry Hill, New Jersey called The Institute for Hope and Healing, LLC, where she sees and treats patients with co-occurring disorders, doing individual, family work, couples counseling, and independent consulting. In 2012, Dr. Bescherer completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Walden University and successfully published her dissertation with UMI/Proquest Publications entitled “Predicting Treatment Outcome for Co-Occurring Disorders through Individual Recovery Plan Goal Attainment.” In addition, Dr. Bescherer has a MBA degree with Concentration in Health and Medical Services Administration from Widener University.

Sara Martino, Ph.D., NCC, LPC

Dr. Sara Dettinger Martino received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Temple University (2005), M.A. in Counseling from Boston College, and B.A. in Psychology from West Chester University. She is currently an Associate Professor of Psychology and coordinator of the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies minor at Stockton University. She is also a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC), working mainly with young women with eating disorders and self-harm behaviors. She wrote a book on her therapeutic techniques with young women who self-mutilate entitled Scars: Creative approaches for understanding and coping with self-mutilation, in 2010. Her more recent research focuses on the Superwoman Ideal and gender inequities in employment and managing work/life balance as well as social media influence on self-harm behaviors. She also specializes in sexual assault victims and in the “yes means yes” initiative.

Mirel Goldstein, MS, MA, LPC

Ms. Goldstein, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a special interest in integrating her passion for Orthodox Judaism with psychoanalytic concepts. She holds an MS in Clinical Sociology/Family Therapy and an MA in Clinical Psychology. Ms. Goldstein completed her first degree in a specialized program in Israel that specifically trains therapists to work within the Orthodox Jewish community. Ms. Goldstein has served both Jewish and non-Jewish populations in inpatient and outpatient settings for 15 years. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD and couples counseling. In addition to maintaining a private practice, Ms. Goldstein is also an author and lecturer facilitating professional education in psychotherapy and parenting issues. As an Orthodox Jewish psychotherapist, Ms. Goldstein can address the treatment needs of this population from a personal perspective.

Laura Taylor, PhD and Amelia Hamarman, M.S.Ed, M.S.

Laura Taylor, PhD:
Dr. Taylor is the NJ Viral Hepatitis Coordinator for the New Jersey Department of Health in the Communicable Disease Service. She is responsible for coordinating professional trainings and creating, implementing and evaluating continuing education and professional development programs for public health and healthcare professionals, in particular those associated with infectious disease outbreaks, healthcare associated infections, and injections safety. Dr. Taylor is also a past president of the New Jersey Chapter for the Society for Public Health Education (NJSOPHE) and adjunct faculty at Temple University-Department of Public Health and The Richard Stockton College of NJ-School of Health Sciences.

Amelia Hamarman, M.S.Ed, M.S.:
Ms. Hamarman is the NJ STD Education Coordinator for the New Jersey Department of Health, STD Program. She has more than 17 years of experience in sexual health education, including work with community agencies, universities, and government public health agencies. She has worked for the New Jersey Department of Health, STD Program for the past 10 years where she regularly provides training for nurses and other public health professionals on various topics related to STDs (including HIV and Hepatitis) and sexual health. Ms. Hamarman is also adjunct faculty at Widener University in their Human Sexuality Education program.

George J. Mladenetz, M.Ed., LCADC

George J. Mladenetz M.Ed., LCADC, (NCGC – I pending):
Mr. Mladenetz, serves as the Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Treatment and Research for the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ). His credential for National Certified Gambling Counselor is pending. Mr. Mladenetz has over 35 years of experience in the field of substance use and wore several hats during his tenure with the State, currently titled New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Mr. Mladnetz’ career includes clinical and supervisory roles ranging from detoxification to outpatient treatment serving special populations such as Criminal Justice, Drug Court and IDRC. As an administrator he has engaged in Utilization Management, Grants Management, Program Compliance as well as Prevention and Training. Mr. Mladenetz represents CCGNJ on various task forces, committees and coalitions to advocate on behalf of CCGNJ. He drafts public comments, testimony, press releases and articles for publication by the CCGNJ.

Daniel J. Trolaro, MS

Daniel J. Trolaro, MS:
Mr. Trolaro was recently promoted to Assistant Executive Director for the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ (CCGNJ). During his tenure as Education/Prevention Coordinator, he gained local and national recognition as an appointed member of the task force for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Mr. Trolaro has written and engaged in script review for CCGNJ and NCPG to raise awareness of the impact of Fantasy Sports and the emerging trends in NJ and around the Nation. In 2015, Mr. Trolaro facilitated a workshop on Daily Fantasy Sports for the Delaware Council on Problem Gambling and is scheduled to present at the NAADAC National Conference to be held in 2016. Mr. Trolaro also hosts presentations for students at various schools and universities as well as faith based organizations throughout NJ.

Kathryn Bedard, MA, LCADC, RMIII

Ms. Bedard, has been in the field of human services since 1972. Her experience has been as a clinician, program developer and administrator. During the 9/11 attacks, she was selected by the Commissioner of Human Services to have a key role in logistics coordination and operations, New Jersey response to the World Trade Center at Liberty Family Assistance Center; and wrote a book about her extraordinary team of clinicians: “Stones In My Heart Forever 9-11: A Journey Through Courage, Strength and Hope.” Authorhouse, 2008.

Kathryn is an innovative consultant and educator with the simple belief that change is difficult, and learning and growth should be an enjoyable experience. She believes in the creativity in all of us, and has a great ability to tap into the natural curiosity, motivation and abilities in everyone with whom she works. Throughout the past 40 years, Kathryn has held leading positions in various clinical settings, State government, and as a private consultant. She has also served as a Field Reviewer: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment for several TIPs.

Kathryn currently oversees the New Jersey Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services Statewide Trauma Informed Care initiative. She is responsible to provide a large scale systems conversion, statewide planning, leadership in, and coordination of program development, training curricula development and implementation, technical assistance, policy, and clinical leadership within hospital and community programs of the public mental health system of care to address the needs of individuals with trauma. Kathryn represents the Commissioner of Human Services in the Governor’s Task Force for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. She also serves as NJDHS representative to the Governor’s Council on Mental Health Stigma.

Kathryn is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol Drug Counselor (LCADC), Certified Practitioner in Trauma Art Narrative Therapy (TANT) and is Certified as both a Practitioner and Trainer in Mental Health First Aid. Kathryn has been a faculty member at Rutgers Schools of Social Work and Addiction Studies since 1998.

Kathryn A. Dixon, MSW, LCSW, LMSW

Ms. Dixon is the Executive Director of Interstate FACTS, LLC, founded in 2007 to provide Forensic Assessment, Consultation/ Counseling, Training & Supervision. She has over 25 years of experience in the field of social work and as an adjunct professor of sociology & social work and has testified in over 100 hearings. During her former tenure as Statewide Coordinator of the Adult Criminal New Jersey Drug Court program, Ms. Dixon provided training and technical assistance to the 15 Vicinage Criminal Drug Court Judges and Court team personnel regarding treatment for addictions and emotional problems while serving as a judges’ expert T.A.S.C. Evaluator. Ms Dixon has been qualified as an expert witness by the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey and currently provides consultation for attorneys, conducts forensic evaluations and expert testimony in Family Court in both New Jersey and New York. Ms. Dixon has been appointed by NJ Superior Court Judges as a Parent Coordinator in family court since 2007 for high conflict matrimonial matters.

Daniel J. Trolaro, MS and George J. Mladenetz, M.Ed., LCADC, ICGC-I

Daniel J. Trolaro, MS:
Mr. Trolaro is the Assistant Executive Director for the Council on Compulsive Gambling of NJ (CCGNJ). During his tenure as Education/Prevention Coordinator, he gained local and national recognition as an appointed member of the task force for the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). Mr. Trolaro has written and engaged in script review for CCGNJ and NCPG to raise awareness of the impact of Fantasy Sports and the emerging trends in NJ and around the Nation. In 2015, Mr. Trolaro facilitated a workshop on Daily Fantasy Sports for the Delaware Council on Problem Gambling and is scheduled to present at the NAADAC National Conference to be held in 2016. Mr. Trolaro also hosts presentations for students at various schools and universities as well as faith based organizations throughout NJ.

George J. Mladenetz M.Ed., LCADC, ICGC-I:
Mr. Mladenetz, serves as the Assistant Director of Clinical Services, Treatment and Research for the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ). His credential for National Certified Gambling Counselor is pending. Mr. Mladenetz has over 35 years of experience in the field of substance use and wore several hats during his tenure with the State, currently titled New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS). Mr. Mladnetz’ career includes clinical and supervisory roles ranging from detoxification to outpatient treatment serving special populations such as Criminal Justice, Drug Court and IDRC. As an administrator he has engaged in Utilization Management, Grants Management, Program Compliance as well as Prevention and Training. Mr. Mladenetz represents CCGNJ on various task forces, committees and coalitions to advocate on behalf of CCGNJ. He drafts public comments, testimony, press releases and articles for publication by the CCGNJ.

Coming Soon

Coming soon…

Ana Guerra, LCSW, LPC, LCADC, CCS

Ms. Guerra, is a seasoned mental health professional with extensive experience in mental health and substance use disorders. She specializes in the treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders and Trauma. Ms. Guerra is an adjunct faculty member at Kean University and other colleges. She teaches various MSW courses including “Healing from Trauma” and “Psychopathology”. She developed the curriculum for the Social Work Department’s first Substance Use Disorder Courses at Kean. Ms. Guerra is approved by the Certification Board of NJ to teach initial and re-certification L/CADC courses. She is a trainer for New Jersey Prevention Network as well as other agencies. She facilitates training on variety of topics for mental health, substance use and academic settings. Ms. Guerra maintains a private practice and is also a Clinical Administrator for an Outpatient treatment facility.

Cheryl Lanktree, Ph.D.

Cheryl Lanktree, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice and Research Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California. She is Project Director of the USC Adolescent Trauma Training Center of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and co-developer of Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma (ITCT). Dr. Lanktree has published numerous papers on the assessment and treatment of child trauma, including a paper providing the evidence base for ITCT, and has provided numerous trainings on the treatment of complex trauma in children and adolescents throughout the world. Drs. Lanktree and John Briere are co-authors of Treating Complex Trauma in Adolescents and Young Adults (Sage, 2012) and the upcoming book, Treating Complex Trauma in Children and their Families: An Integrative Approach. Dr. Lanktree’s website is: www.cblanktree.com.